Baguio City, Philippines — November 2025
The General Secretary of the General Commission on United Methodist Men (GCUMM), Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, visited the Philippines in November 2025 to attend the GCFA Quadrennial Training and the Connectional Table meeting in Manila.
Prior to these events, Dr. Vance participated in Sunday morning worship at Central United Methodist Church, where the congregation happened to be celebrating United Methodist Men’s Ministry Sunday. During the service, he met the National President of United Methodist Men Philippines, Bro. Dave Santos.
That connection led to a dinner meeting the following Friday evening with additional national UMM leaders, where discussions centered on strengthening collaboration and vision for men’s ministry across the Philippines. From those conversations, Dr. Vance was invited to speak at the first national meeting of the United Methodist Men of the Philippines (UMMP), held at Newtown Travelite Hotel in Baguio City.
This historic gathering brought together men’s ministry leaders from across the country for worship, training, and strategic planning to strengthen the role of men in the life of the Church.
Organized under the leadership of President Santos, the three-day assembly marked a new chapter in the growing partnership between the GCUMM and men’s fellowships throughout Asia. The event included sessions on discipleship, leadership development, and the role of men in revitalizing local congregations.
In his keynote address, Rev. Vance shared the global vision of GCUMM, emphasizing the importance of building ministries that equip men to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.” He noted:
“This gathering represents the heart of our mission — connecting men to Christ and to one another. The faith, energy, and leadership of the men in the Philippines remind us that the movement of United Methodist Men is truly global and growing.”
Workshops throughout the event focused on coordinating local and national ministries, mentoring young men in faith, and developing sustainable models of men’s discipleship. Delegates from multiple annual conferences participated, committing to strengthen the presence of United Methodist Men in every district and local church.
President Dave Santos reflected on the significance of the event, saying:
“The first official visit of Rev. Dr. Rick Vance of the GCUMM was a historical event for the United Methodist Men in the Philippines which coincided with the holding of the UMMP National Assembly after inviting him to join. We appreciate so much his insights as well as challenges in shaping our future by building relationships, providing purpose to every ministry and creating brotherhood among the UMMs. We are so blessed for the presence of Rev. Dr. Rick Vance as we committed to work with the GCUMM in the pursuit of its mandate to the worldwide men’s ministry.”
The gathering also included moments of prayer, worship, and fellowship — celebrating the unity and shared purpose that define the mission of United Methodist Men around the world.
Dr. Vance’s visit marks the beginning of a deeper and more intentional partnership between GCUMM and the United Methodist Men of the Philippines — a partnership focused on empowering men to be disciples of Jesus Christ who transform the world through faith, service, and courageous leadership.
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General Commission on United Methodist Men
810 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 340-7145 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.ummen.org